Roland Garros 2025: Emma Raducanu loses out to four-time champion Iga Swiatek in second round
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Emma Raducanu’s Roland Garros campaign came to an end in the second round against four-time champion Iga Swiatek.
Swiatek – who has won the title in four of the last five years – put in a near flawless performance on Court Philippe-Chatrier to defeat Raducanu 6-1, 6-2.
The former world No.1 was at her very best against the former US Open champion, hitting an impressive 32 winners in an hour and 19 minutes out on court. Her winning streak at the French Open is now extended to 23 matches.
“I felt good, I felt I could do what I wanted to on the court,” Swiatek said. “I just needed to adjust to the conditions as the wind was tricky. I’m happy that I did that well and that I’m through.
“I just love playing here, this place inspires me to work harder. I’m ready to fight for it and to compete.”
Raducanu leaves the French Open having reached the second round of the tournament for the second time in two appearances in Paris.
The British star will now turn her attention to the grass court season where she is set to compete at the HSBC Championships and the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
"It was a really difficult match," Raducanu said. "Iga played really well. Yeah, it was tough. I think in thebeginning of the match it was pretty tight. As it went on I think she grew in confidence."
"I think there were positives in the sense that, like, I won a few matches on the surface. It's probably my first proper clay court season I've had and played through. And, like, my last one was really in 2022, so it's been a long time since.
"Yeah, I guess I'm pretty happy with, like, considering at the beginning I felt really uncomfortable moving. I felt better."
The rest of Britain’s singles hopefuls will be in action tomorrow, including Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Jacob Fearnley, Cam Norrie and Jack Draper who will feature in the night session against Gael Monfils.
It was a fast and furious start from Raducanu and Swiatek with both players looking to stamp their authority on the match from the word go.
After some long exchanges with heavy baseline hitting on both sides, the British No.2 had an early break point on the opening game of the match but couldn’t convert what turned out to be a significant opportunity.
There were plenty of bright moments for Raducanu but Swiatek’s level grew throughout the match and the Polish star refused to let her string more than one or two solid points in a row. The Pole’s footwork was particularly highlighted as she continued to press forward point after point, putting Raducanu frequently on the defence.
Swiatek quickly took control of the contest, and the five-time major champion was clinical towards the backend of the first set, going on to seal a double break before closing out the set with an ace.
While Swiatek came into this tournament with more questions around her form than normal, she was clearly out to make a statement on a court that she’s become all too familiar with over recent years.
An early break to love on only the third game of the second set proved a damaging blow for Raducanu and gave her an almost impossible task ahead.
The Briton was handed a potentially lifeline in the following game after a few uncharacteristic errors brought up three break back opportunities – but Swiatek dealt with the pressure moments well, dealing more damage off her forehand.
This proved to be the final blow for Raducanu, who despite having in many ways a positive performance just couldn’t find a way to break down the world No.5. Like in the first set, the double break followed by a strong hold saw Swiatek over the line and into the third round.
